Last night, the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce had the privilege of recognizing a group of organizations that are shaping our community in one of the most meaningful ways possible. That's through the cultures they create inside their workplaces.

The 2026 UNbelievable Workplaces event brought together leaders, teams, and partners to celebrate businesses that are doing more than just providing jobs. They are creating environments where employees feel valued, supported, and connected to something bigger than themselves.

Because the truth is, community development doesn’t just happen through buildings, projects, or investments.

It happens every day, inside workplaces.

It’s reflected in how leaders show up for their teams.
In how employees feel at the end of the day.
And in whether people go home feeling respected, supported, and proud of the work they do.

As shared during the evening, “Culture is how employees’ hearts and stomachs feel about Monday morning on a Sunday night.”

And based on what employees told us this year, there are many workplaces in Council Bluffs getting that exactly right.

What Employees Are Saying

Through the UNbelievable Workplaces survey, employees across organizations consistently described their workplaces using words like:

Trust. Respect. Teamwork. Growth. Flexibility. Purpose. Family.

These aren’t just nice words. They are indicators of environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

And when that happens, something bigger follows.

Thriving workplaces begin to build thriving communities.

Recognizing Our 2026 UNbelievable Workplaces

This year’s honorees were recognized across three categories based on company size, with each organization earning the distinction through direct feedback from their employees.

Small but Mighty (10 or fewer employees)

• Advance Southwest Iowa

• Career EdVantage

• Community Foundation for Western Iowa

• Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce

• Iowa West Foundation

• Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty

• Willson & Pechacek

Power in Numbers (11–50 employees)

• American PCS Inc

• BAT Logistics

• Council Bluffs Schools Foundation

• Firefly

• Heartland Properties

• New Visions

• Simply Cleaner

• Therapy Place

Strong Foundation (51+ employees)

• All Care Health Center

• American Games

• International Gamco

• Council Bluffs Community School District

• Lewis Central Community School District

• Midlands Living Center

• Midstates Bank

More Than a Recognition

UNbelievable Workplaces is more than an award. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when organizations commit to listening to their employees and intentionally building strong, people-centered cultures.

As highlighted throughout the evening, what happens inside the walls of a workplace doesn’t stay there.

It impacts families.
It influences whether people choose to stay and grow in our community.
It shapes the future of Council Bluffs.

Workplace culture is community development.

Looking Ahead

As the program continues to grow, so does its focus. Unbelievable Workplaces is evolving to better measure not just metrics, but meaningful impact. The impact on employees, their families, and the broader community.

To all of this year’s honorees: thank you.

Thank you for leading with intention.
For investing in your people.
And for helping build a stronger, more connected Council Bluffs.  

Learn more about UNbelievable Workplaces and see more photos from the celebration here: https://www.councilbluffsiowa.com/home-2/unbelievable-workplaces-cb/